The stunning Abraham Lake is popular for its classic blue shade during summer and ice bubbles during winter. It is also a highly accredited camping site in the Canadian Rockies. You can enjoy the view of towering mountains and the bright waterfront directly from the campsite.
About Abraham Lake
Abraham Lake, nestled in the heart of David Thompson Country, is a hidden gem. It is Alberta’s largest man made reservoir thats covers about 54 square kilometers. Abraham Lake is well known for its blue colour. Although this captivating wonder does not enjoy the same prestige as Banff National Park or Jasper National Park, it stands proudly at the crossroads of the renowned Icefields Parkway.
Abraham Lake has earned its place in the global limelight, not for the typical azure hues that grace the Canadian Rockies in summer but for a unique winter phenomenon. Between December and March, this remarkable lake offers a high likelihood of witnessing a magical spectacle – a profusion of frozen ice bubbles.
Abraham Lake Camping Info
- Location: Abraham Lake, Clearwater County AB
- Camping Type: Random Camping, Car Camping
- Reservation Type: First Come, First-Served
- Fee: A Public Lands Camping Pass
- Amenities: None
Finding Campsites
The campsites are mostly random and don’t feature any signs or park gates for guidance. The key here is to keep your eye out on the roadside. A popular spot you can try is “The Preachers Point Recreation Area.” The access road to this campground can be easily navigated. However, it receives heavy footfall and can be difficult to secure a spot. In such a case you can try finding any unsigned camp spot. You will find multiple lining the Abraham Lake and some parts of Saskatchewan River up to the lake.
The best thing about these beautiful campgrounds is that they don’t need prior reservation. You just need to proceed along the David Thompson Highway for about 25 minutes. Next you need to begin looking for dirt paths along the treeline on your right. You can even park your car and explore the area on foot before taking your vehicle down an unknown dirt road.
You can explore multiple campsites before deciding on one. The views get better as you move closer to the lake. A word of caution: Potholes and fallen branches often block the access roads to the campsites. Hence, you need to exercise caution while traversing these roads.
Camping Fees At Abraham Lake
You should have a Public Lands Camping Pass for camping randomly at any public land along the Rocky Mountain’s Eastern Slope. A 3-day pass will cost you $20/person whereas an annual pass comes for $30/person above 18 years of age.
Important Points To Note Before Camping
- You won’t find any utilities at the campsites. Only The Preacher’s Point recreation Area comes with some pit toilets. Abraham Lake has fire rings. However, there are no picnic tables or other amenity.
- Cell phone service usually stops working once you get on the Icefields Parkway. For those coming from Jasper, your cell phone tower will vanish once you leave the town. You won’t find any service at Abraham Lake. Keep these things in mind before you plan a hike around Abraham Lake, especially if you need GPS during the hike.
- The campsites are available on first-come-first-serve basis. You cannot reserve them in advance. There are multiple campsites around the lake and you won’t have any difficulty in finding one. However, you might need to explore the area before finding a proper campsite.
- Glaciers feed both the North Saskatchewan River and Abraham Lake. This leads to an ice-cold temperature. You need to be very cautious before planning to go on glacial swims.
- Often bears and other wildlife roam free on the riverbed and the quiet highway. You should take necessary precautions while camping.
Best Hikes Near Abraham Lake
There are so many hiking trails in Bighorn Backcountry such as Siffleur Falls, Allstones Lake, Allstones Creek, Crescent Falls and Landslide Lake Interpretive Fire Trail. BATUS Canyon is very popular with rock climbers. Keep in mind some of the hikes can be challenging and you might need hiking poles. Be prepared for the weather conditions and dress up in the layers. Bring plenty of water to stay hydrated while hiking. Make sure to wear comfortable hiking boots.
